GhostReader vs. Speechify

Text to speech apps can serve many purposes. They can make websites like Amazon accessible to visually impaired users, or they can read emails or online tutorials to help people better use their devices and so much more. Text to speech (TTS) software can convert text into audio between many types of files. Popular TTS apps include Natural Reader, Voice Dream Reader, GhostReader, and Speechify. Today, we’re comparing GhostReader and Speechify to show you which one may better fit your needs.

What is GhostReader?

GhostReader is a popular text to speech app that helps users listen to written text. The software uses computer-generated voices to turn written or imported text into speech in multiple audio file formats. The app helps with multitasking, entertainment, and educational activities. In addition, it can help users proofread their work and create many types of voiceover content. Because it’s a dedicated app for iOS/Apple devices, MacBook users can use various shortcuts to make the app work more smoother.

What is Speechify?

Speechify started as a text to speech software for people with dyslexia, but its assistive technology evolved to appeal to a more diverse audience looking for leisure and productivity tools. The artificial intelligence-driven TTS reader with a powerful API can help students, people with reading disabilities, or anyone with visual impairments read almost any digital text by listening to it instead of reading it on the page or screen. Speechify takes speech synthesis to the next level.

Speechify vs. GhostReader—The comparison

While similar in some ways, GhostReader and Speechify come with different feature sets and functionality.

Pricing

GhostReader comes with a basic version and the GhostReader Plus version. The standard app costs $24.99, while the premium version costs $39.99. Speechify is free to use on all platforms. However, the free version app has some limitations, such as a single listening speed and 10 reading voices. The premium version costs $139 annually and unlocks all of the app’s features, from different voices and multilingual support to adjustable playback control and OCR.

Platform availability

GhostReader is an Apple-exclusive app. You can use it on iOS and macOS devices like iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. In terms of platform availability, Speechify is the more versatile choice. Speechify works on Android, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows. You can use it on most mobile devices, as a desktop app, Chrome extension, or plug-in. Additionally, Speechify is compatible with Google Chrome and Safari and doesn’t limit functionality across different operating systems and devices. Even Firefox users can enjoy Speechify in its web version.

Language options

GhostReader supports English, French, Italian, and German for reading and audio conversions. On the other hand, Speechify can read and narrate content in over 50 different languages, including English, French, Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, and many more.

Compatible file formats

GhostReader can read multiple formats like TXT, Microsoft Word docs, PDF files, HTML, ODT, and RTF. You can read aloud web content in the web browser in real-time or convert the text into audio files. That makes it great for online and offline listening. Speechify also supports many file formats. It can read copy-pasted text or written words on web pages and emails. Additionally, you can import text, Docx, PDF, ePub, and more. You can read chat messages, social media posts, and news articles. Likewise, you can follow along with the narration on the screen if you would like.

Number and quality of AI voices

GhostReader offers great functionality but offers limited voice options. Speechify, on the other hand, enables users to select between 150 natural sounding voices and accents across multiple languages. It also has a couple of authentic celebrity voices like Gwyneth Paltrow and former President Barack Obama.

Conversion to audio files

Because it’s an iOS and Mac app, GhostReader lets users export audio conversions into iTunes tracks, but you can choose from multiple encoding options. MP3, WAV, AIFF, ACC, and Apple Lossless are available. Speechify allows you to download MP3 and WAV versions of your audio files for later, but its broader platform availability makes it more versatile even for conversions.

Reading aids

GhostReader supports zoom and has word-highlighting features. These tools can make it easier for people to read and listen to written text simultaneously at a desirable reading speed. In addition, pronunciation correction is available to make narrations even more accurate. When using the GhostReader Plus app, you gain access to more reading speed control, multiple tracks, and tags to define numerous individual voices in the same text. Speechify has similar features, including adjustable playback speed, bookmarks, and note-taking. You can find many of these in the browser toolbar when using Safari or Chrome. But the desktop and mobile app versions are more intuitive.

Optical character recognition (OCR) technology

OCR technology enables some TTS readers to convert written text locked in illustrations and pictures into audio. Speechify uses OCR to turn photos of documents into readable text. You can create audiobooks from your favorite childhood stories, MP3s of hardcopy textbooks, and much more. OCR technology makes the app even more accessible, especially to students and people with dyslexia.

Speechify—Try this TTS app on almost any operating system

Between GhostReader and Speechify, the latter offers more versatility and functionality. Speechify generates some of the most realistic AI text to speech voices. You can import multiple digital text files and scan pictures to create audiobooks and podcast voiceovers as well as improve your literacy skills by reading alongside high-quality voices at a comfortable speed. You can get Speechify from the App Store, Google Play Store, the official website, or as a browser extension. Try Speechify premium today with the free trial and enhance your TTS experience.

FAQ

Is there something better than Speechify?

No text to speech reader for people with dyslexia or people who like multitasking has better pronunciation accuracy and human voices than Speechify.

Is NaturalReader better than Speechify?

NaturalReader is similar to Speechify but doesn’t share its versatility or functionality. Speechify is still the better option.

What is the difference between Speechify free and premium?

Speechify free comes with a single listening speed and fewer voices, but the quality of the voices is still very high. Speechify premium unlocks full language support, a reading aid, and many more voices using its high-end synthesizer. In addition, you can download audio in multiple formats and convert text from scanned photos.